Former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, voiced strong support for Nigeria’s transition from a presidential to a parliamentary system of government, arguing that the parliamentary model is more suitable for Nigeria’s diverse and populous society.
Speaking at the National Dialogue on Home-Grown Parliamentary Systems in Abuja on Monday, the former Minister of Interior emphasized the inefficiencies in the current executive system.
Aregbesola stated, “If you go on believing that an individual, no matter how capable, could govern 120 million people alone without checks, we are joking.
I am opposed to the executive system of government for this reason.”
He further advocated that a collective approach, inherent in the parliamentary system, would better serve Nigeria’s large population, adding that this arrangement aligns with the nation’s goal of advancing the welfare of its people.
Earlier this year, approximately 60 lawmakers, led by House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, introduced a bill proposing constitutional amendments to transition Nigeria from a presidential to a parliamentary system.
The bill, titled “Bills Proposing Constitutional Alterations for a Transition to a Parliamentary System of Government”, was presented to the House of Representatives on February 14, 2024, with the aim of reducing government expenses amid declining national revenue.
In support of the proposed transition, Abdussamad Dasuki, spokesperson for the parliamentary bill sponsors, commented, “Today, we stand on the cusp of history, as lawmakers from various political and regional backgrounds unite to propose Constitutional Alterations that would establish a Parliamentary System of Government.”
He highlighted the persistent flaws of the presidential system, suggesting that despite numerous reforms, it has failed to unlock Nigeria’s full potential.
